International Hospitality Program Seeks Volunteer Host Families

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2012) — The University of Kentucky's International Hospitality Program (IHP) is seeking volunteers to serve as "host families" for international students. 

Each year, around 300 new international students arrive at the University of Kentucky, representing 104 different countries around the world. IHP host families are there to provide friendship and support for these international students while they are far from home. 

The students do not live with host families, nor do the host families bear any financial responsibility for the students. The program gives volunteers an opportunity to interact with and provide needed companionship to students from other cultures, without the same level of commitment that having a live-in exchange student requires.  

Although the host family commitment lasts only for one year, many students and their host families form lifelong bonds, says Judy Phillips, IHP board of directors secretary and public relations chair. 

"It's as enriching an opportunity for the host family as we hope it is beneficial to the students," Phillips said. 

Students and new hosts both undergo a brief orientation and training session to understand what is expected on both sides. Once a student is matched with a host, activities vary depending on their mutual interests and availability.

IHP sponsors several events throughout the year, including a welcome picnic in August (co-sponsored by the Lexington Rotary Club), shopping trips at the start of each semester, an ice cream social, a square dance and chili supper, and a Valentine's Day reception. A holiday turkey meal is served in January to welcome the students who arrive mid-year. 

Hosts may be single or maried, live with or without children, and be of any age. Those interested in joining IHP may contact Judy Phillips at (859) 277-2224 or Mary Lynne Vickers, host development chair, at (859) 361-9603, preferably by Jan. 31.